Computer Assembly – Step by Step

Assembling computers is a large part of a technician’s job. As a technician, you will need to work in a logical,
methodical manner when working with computer components. As with any learned trade, your computer
assembly skills will improve dramatically with practice.
Open the Case
Computer cases are produced in a variety of form factors. Form factors refer to the size and shape of the case.
Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case. There should be adequate lighting, good ventilation,
and a comfortable room temperature. The workbench or table should be accessible from all sides. Avoid
cluttering the surface of the workbench or table with tools and computer components. An antistatic mat on the
table will help prevent physical and electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to equipment. Small containers can be
used to hold small screws and other parts as they are being removed.
There are different methods for opening cases. To learn how to open a particular computer case, consult the user
manual or the manufacturer’s website. Most computer cases are opened in one of the following ways:
• The computer case cover can be removed as one piece.
• The top and side panels of the case can be removed.
• The top of the case may need to be removed before the side panels can be removed.
• Tool-less entries allow technicians to enter a case without the use of tools.

Install the Power Supply

A technician may be required to replace or install a power supply.
Most power supplies can fit into the computer case in only one way. There are usually three or four screws that
attach the power supply to the case. Power supplies have fans that can vibrate and loosen screws that are not
secured. When installing a power supply, make sure that all of the screws are used and that they are properly
tightened.
These are the power supply installation steps:
Step 1. Insert the power supply into the case.
Step 2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.

Figure 3-1: Power Supply

Attach the components of the motherboard and Install the motherboard

This section details the steps to install components on the motherboard and then install the motherboard into the
computer case.
After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:
• Install a CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly.
• Install the RAM.
• Install the motherboard.

Install a CPU and a Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

The central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink/fan assembly may be installed on the motherboard before
the motherboard is placed in the computer case.

CPU
The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When handling a CPU and motherboard,
make sure that you place them on a grounded antistatic mat. You should wear an antistatic wrist strap while
working with these components. Key electrostatic-sensitive components include the following:
• CPUs
• Motherboards
• RAM
• Expansion cards

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 • Hard disk drive electronics

Figure 3-2: CPU and Motherboard

Caution
When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts at any time.

The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. The CPU sockets today are zero
insertion force (ZIF) sockets. You should be familiar with the locking assembly before attempting to install a CPU
into the socket on the motherboard. Orient the missing pin in the corner of the CPU to the missing hole on the
socket.
Thermal compound helps to conduct heat away from the CPU.

Figure 3-3: Thermal compound on the CPU

Caution
Silver-oxide thermal compound is toxic. Use rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
It does not take very much compound to fill the space between the CPU and heat sink. If you use too much it will
leak onto the motherboard.
When you are installing a used CPU, clean the CPU and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol. Doing
this removes all traces of old thermal compound. The surfaces are now ready for a new layer of thermal
compound. Follow all manufacturer recommendations about applying the thermal compound.

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 Figure 3-4: Heat Sink/Fan Assembly on the Motherboard

Heat Sink/Fan Assembly

It is a two-part cooling device. The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU. The fan moves the heat away from
the heat sink. The heat sink/fan assembly usually has a 3-pin power connector.

Follow these instructions for CPU and heat sink/fan assembly installation:
Step 1. Align the CPU so that the Connection 1 indicator is lined up with Pin 1 on the CPU socket. Doing this
ensures that the orientation notches on the CPU are aligned with the orientation keys on the CPU socket.
Step 2. Place the CPU gently into the socket.
Step 3. Close the CPU load plate and secure it in place by closing the load lever and moving it under the load
lever retention tab.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of thermal compound to the CPU and spread it evenly. Follow the application
instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Step 5. Align the heat sink/fan assembly retainers with the holes on the motherboard.
Step 6. Place the heat sink/fan assembly onto the CPU socket, being careful not to pinch the CPU fan wires.
Step 7. Tighten the heat sink/fan assembly retainers to secure the assembly in place.
Step 8. Connect the heat sink/fan assembly power cable to the header on the motherboard.

Install the RAM

Like the CPU and the heat sink/fan assembly, random-access memory (RAM) is installed in the motherboard
before the motherboard is secured in the computer case. Before you install a memory module, consult the
motherboard documentation or website of the manufacturer to ensure that the RAM is compatible with the
motherboard.

RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU while the computer is operating. RAM is volatile memory,
which means that its contents are lost when the computer is shut down.
Typically, more RAM will enhance the performance of your computer.

Follow these steps for RAM installation:

Step 1. Align the notches on the RAM module with the keys in the slot and press down until the side tabs click
into place.
Step 2. Make sure that the side tabs have locked the RAM module. Visually check for exposed contacts.

Repeat these steps for additional RAM modules.

Install the Motherboard

The motherboard is now ready to install in the computer case. Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the
motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case. You should install only the standoffs
that align with the holes in the motherboard.
Installing any additional standoffs may prevent the motherboard from being seated properly in the computer case.

Follow these steps for motherboard installation:

Step 1. Install standoffs in the computer case.
Step 2. Align the I/O connectors on the back of the motherboard with the openings in the back of the case.
Step 3. Align the screw holes of the motherboard with the standoffs.
Step 4. Insert all of the motherboard screws.
Step 5. Tighten all of the motherboard screws.

Install Internal Drives

Drives that are installed in internal bays are called internal drives. A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an
internal drive.

Follow these steps for HDD installation:

Step 1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the screw holes in the drive line up with the screw holes in the
case.
Step 3. Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws.

Install Drives in External Bays

Drives, such as optical drives and floppy disk drives (FDD), are installed in drive bays that are accessed from the
front of the case. Optical drives and FDD store data on removable media. Drives in external bays allow access to
the media without opening the case.
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Install the Optical Drive
An optical drive is a storage device that reads and writes information to CDs and DVDs. A Molex power
connector provides the optical drive with power from the power supply. A PATA cable connects the optical drive
to the motherboard. If you use a PATA data connector you might need a berg connector. To provides power to
the (FDD), you will need the smaller berg power connector.

Follow these steps for optical drive installation:

Step 1. Position the optical drive so that it aligns with the 5.25-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the optical drive into the drive bay so that the optical drive screw holes align with the screw holes in
the case.
Step 3. Secure the optical drive to the case using the proper screws.

Caution
If you use screws that are too long, you may damage the drive you are mounting.

Install the Floppy Drive

A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage device that reads and writes information to a floppy disk. A Berg power
connector provides the FDD with power from the power supply. A floppy drive data cable connects the FDD to the
motherboard.

Follow these steps for FDD installation:

Step 1. Position the FDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay.
Step 2. Insert the FDD into the drive bay so that the FDD screw holes align with the screw holes in the case.
Step 3. Secure the FDD to the case using the proper screws.

Figure 3-5: floppy Disk Drive Installed

Install Adapter Cards

Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer. Adapter cards must be compatible with the
expansion slot. This section focuses on the installation of three types of adapter cards:
• PCIe x1 NIC
• PCI wireless NIC
• PCIe x16 video adapter card

Install the NIC

A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer to connect to a network. NICs use peripheral component
interface (PCI) and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.

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 Figure 3-6: PCIe Network Interface Card

Follow these steps for NIC installation:

Step 1. Remove the blank from the case where the new card will be installed so that the port can be accessed.
Step 2. Align the NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 3. Press down gently on the NIC until the card is fully seated.
Step 4. Secure the NIC PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Install the Wireless NIC

A wireless NIC, enables a computer to connect to a wireless network. Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe
expansion slots on the motherboard. Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.

Follow these steps for wireless NIC installation:

Step 1. Align the wireless NIC with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 2. Press down gently on the wireless NIC until the card is fully seated.
Step 3. Secure the wireless NIC PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Figure 3-7: Wireless NIC

Install the Video Adapter Card

A video adapter card, is the interface between a computer and a display monitor. An upgraded video adapter
card can provide better graphic capabilities for games and graphic programs. Video adapter cards use PCI,
advance graphics port (AGP), and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. If the BIOS does not automatically
sense the new video card and disable the integrated one, you may need to do that manually through BIOS
settings.

Figure 3-8: video Adapter Card

Follow these steps for video adapter card installation:

Step 1. Remove the expansion slot case blank.
Step 2. Align the video adapter card with the appropriate expansion slot on the motherboard.
Step 3. Press down gently on the video adapter card until the card is fully seated.
Step 4. Secure the video adapter card PC mounting bracket to the case with the appropriate screw.

Connect All Internal Cables

Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the motherboard and other components.
Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices, such as hard drives. Additional cables
connect the buttons and link lights on the front of the computer case to the motherboard.

Connect the Power Cables

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Power cables are brightly colored bundles of wires that branch out from the power supply.
As the name suggests, they provide internal devices with electricity. There are several kinds of power connectors.

Motherboard Power Connections

Just like other components, motherboards require power to operate. The Advanced Technology Extended
(ATX) main power connector will have either 20 or 24 pins. The power supply may also have a 4-pin or 6-pin
Auxiliary (AUX) power connector that connects to the motherboard. A 20-pin connector will work in a
motherboard with a 24-pin socket.

Follow these steps for motherboard power cable installation:

Step 1. Align the 20-pin ATX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
Step 2. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.
Step 3. Align the 4-pin AUX power connector with the socket on the motherboard.
Step 4. Gently press down on the connector until the clip clicks into place.

SATA Power Connectors

SATA power connectors use a 15-pin connector. Serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA) power connectors are used to connect to hard disk drives, optical drives, or any devices that have a
SATA power socket.

Molex Power Connectors

Hard disk drives and optical drives that do not have SATA power sockets use a Molex power connector.

Caution
Do not use a Molex connector and a SATA power connector on the same drive at the same time. It will prevent the drive
from working properly.

Berg Power Connectors

The 4-pin Berg power connector supplies power to a floppy drive.

Follow these steps for Berg power connector installation:

Step 1. Plug the SATA power connector into the HDD.
Step 2. Plug the Molex power connector into the optical drive.
Step 3. Plug the 4-pin Berg power connector into the FDD.
Step 4. Connect the 3-pin fan power connector into the appropriate fan header on the motherboard, according to
the motherboard manual.
Step 5. Plug the additional cables from the case into the appropriate connectors according to the motherboard
manual.

Connect the Data Cables

Drives connect to the motherboard using data cables. The drive being connected determines the type of data
cable used. The types of data cables are PATA, SATA, and floppy disk.

PATA Data Cables

The parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA) data cable is sometimes called a ribbon cable because
it is wide and flat. The PATA cable can have either 40 or 80 conductors. A PATA cable usually has three 40-pin
connectors. One connector at the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors
connect to drives. If multiple hard drives are installed, the master drive connects to the end connector. The slave
drive connects to the middle connector. A stripe on the data cable denotes the location of Pin 1. Plug the PATA
cable into the drive with the Pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned with the Pin 1 indicator on the drive connector.
The Pin 1 indicator on the drive connector is usually closest to the power connector on the drive. Many
motherboards have two PATA drive controllers, providing support for a maximum of four PATA drives.

SATA Data Cables

The SATA data cable has a 7-pin connector. One end of the cable is connected to the motherboard. The other
end is connected to any drive that has a SATA data connector.

Reattach the Side Panels and Connect External Cables to the Computer:
Reattach the Side Panels to the Case
Most computer cases have two panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one three-sided cover that
slides down over the case frame.
When the cover is in place, make sure that it is secured at all screw locations. Some computer cases use screws
that are inserted with a screwdriver. Other cases have knob-type screws that can be tightened by hand. Tool-less
cases simply “click” closed.
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If you are unsure about how to remove or replace the computer case, refer to the documentation or website of the
manufacturer for more information.

Caution
Handle case parts with care. Some computer case covers have sharp or jagged edges.

Connect External Cables to the Computer

After the case panels have been reattached, connect the cables to the back of the computer.
Here are some common external cable connections:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• USB
• Ethernet
• Power

When attaching cables, ensure that they are connected to the correct locations on the computer. For example,
some mouse and keyboard cables use the same type of PS/2 connector.

Floppy Drive Data Cables

The floppy drive data cable has a 34-pin connector. Like the PATA data cable, the floppy drive data cable has a
stripe to denote the location of Pin 1. A floppy drive cable usually has three 34-pin connectors. One connector at
the end of the cable connects to the motherboard. The other two connectors connect to drives. If multiple floppy
drives are installed, the A: drive connects to the end connector. The B: drive connects to the middle connector.
Plug the floppy drive data cable into the drive with the Pin 1 indicator on the cable aligned with the Pin 1 indicator
on the drive connector. Motherboards have one floppy drive controller, providing support for a maximum of two
floppy drives.

Note
If Pin 1 on the floppy drive data cable is not aligned with Pin 1 on the drive connector, the floppy drive does not
function. This misalignment does not damage the drive, but the drive activity light displays continuously. To fix
this problem, turn off the computer and reconnect the data cable so that Pin 1 on the cable and Pin 1 on the
connector are aligned. Reboot the computer.

Follow these steps for data cable installation:

Step 1. Plug the motherboard end of the PATA cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 2. Plug the connector at the far end of the PATA cable into the optical drive.
Step 3. Plug one end of the SATA cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 4. Plug the other end of the SATA cable into the HDD.
Step 5. Plug the motherboard end of the FDD cable into the motherboard socket.
Step 6. Plug the connector at the far end of the FDD cable into the floppy drive.
Step 7. Double check to make sure all cables are securely connected to the devices and to the motherboard.

Caution
When attaching cables, never force a connection.

Note
Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other cables.

Follow these steps for external cable installation:

Step 1. Attach the monitor cable to the video port.
Step 2. Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.
Step 3. Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.
Step 4. Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
Step 5. Plug the USB cable into a USB port.
Step 6. Plug the network cable into the network port.
Step 7. Connect the wireless antenna to the antenna connector.
Step 8. Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Figure 3-9: All External Cables Plugged into the Back

Boot the Computer for the First Time

When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) performs a check on all of the internal
components. This check is called a power-on self test (POST).

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Identify Beep Codes
POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning,
an error or a beep code alerts the technician that there is a problem. Typically, a single beep denotes that the
computer is functioning properly. If there is a hardware problem, the computer might emit a series of beeps. Each
BIOS manufacturer uses different codes to indicate hardware problems. Table 3-1 shows a sample chart of beep
codes. The beep codes for your computer might be different. Consult the motherboard documentation to view
beep codes for your computer.

Sample Beep Codes

Beep Code Meaning Cause
1 beep Passed POST Successfully passed POST
2 beeps Memory parity error Bad memory
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure Bad memory
4 beeps Timer not operational Bad motherboard
5 beeps Processor error Bad processor
6 beeps 8042 gate A20 failure Bad CPU or motherboard
7 beeps Processor exception Bad processor
8 beeps Video memory error Bad video card or memory
9 beeps ROM checksum error Bad BIOS
10 beeps CMOS checksum error Bad motherboard
11 beeps Cache memory bad Bad CPU or motherboard

Describe BIOS Setup

The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for hardware devices. The configuration data is
saved to a special memory chip called a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). CMOS is
maintained by the battery in the computer. If this battery dies, all BIOS setup configuration data will be lost. If this
occurs, replace the battery and reconfigure the BIOS settings. To enter the BIOS setup program, you must press
the proper key or key sequence during POST. Most computers use the Delete key. Your computer might use
another key or combination of keys.

Common BIOS setup menu options:

• Main – System time, date HDD type
• Advanced – Infrared and parallel port settings.
• Security – Password setting to setup utility.
• Boot – Boot order of the computer
• Exit – Setup utility exit
• Others – Low battery alarm, system beep.